An ancestor's face on one of the largest instruments in the world
Melanesia
Chief Roi Mata’s Domain consists of three early 17th century sites on Vanuatu
Chief Roi Mata’s Domain
When decorated, the yams represent ancestral spirits called nggwal.
Gwaikwavi Wakaniambi, Yam mask or Bapamini
A breastplate of this style, known in Fijian as civaconovono, was worn as an emblem of high status for ceremonies or during battles.
Ivory breastplate (civaconovono), Fiji
These intricate wooden carvings have confused anthropologists and confounded art historians for over a century.
The Life of Malagan
The small-scale societies of these islands became famous in the West for their ceremonial wooden carvings.
Melanesia, an introduction
Collected from Papua New Guinea in the 1880s, this figure would otherwise have been destroyed after its ritual use.
Malagan at the British Museum
Master carvers produced statues like these when village leaders needed to bring their community back into balance.
Bis Poles at The Metropolitan Museum of ...
This intriguing artifact has a 3,500-year history. The latest chapter? A political debate over cultural heritage.
Ambum Stone
This photograph commemorates a historic royal visit and captures the practice of Fijian gift exchange.
Presentation of Fijian Mats and Tapa Cloths ...
Though we lack an understanding of its use or cultural context, this turtle-shell mask was certainly precious.
Browse Smarthistory images for teaching & learning!
